5 Ways to Reduce Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling that is hard to control sometimes. I want to share with you 5 ways that have help me reduce anxiety whenever I’m feeling anxious.

1. Recognize the anxiety-I know for myself whenever I start to feel anxious, I first recognize the feeling. You know your body best; for me when I feel anxiety coming on my heart usually races. That is one of the first signs I get.

2. Breathe- Take a few deep breaths. This sends signals to the brain that it’s ok for your body to relax.

3. Focus on where you’re at right now- This can help you be more in control of the anxiety.

4. Positive self-talk-I sometimes have to say this phrase a few times a day: “It’s ok, this is a feeling that WILL pass.” After awhile your brain will recognize what you’re saying and this could be a comfort strategy to use.

5. Take yourself to a ‘comfort place’-I was introduced to this technique by a professional that has really helped get me out of an anxious state.

-You first close your eyes. Take a couple deep breaths.

-Picture something that brings comfort and/or joy to you, and focus on that. It could be a place, person or thing. For me, I love the outdoors so I take myself to a moment where I was back to a spot I’ve visited and thought about all the beauty I was surrounded by, almost like I’m there! I stay there for at least 30 secs. By that time I feel more at peace.

-I then take a few more deeps breathes and open my eyes.
There’s a few other factors that we sometimes don’t think about. A big one is our diets. If we aren’t eating foods our body needs to thrive it’ll send our hormones out of whack which causes things such as anxiety and depression.

I changed my diet and cut out gluten, sugars (which is another huge factor of anxiety) and dairy.

Being off of these things I’ve been feeling a lot better. I have less anxiety, stress and I’m able to think more clearer!

Krystyn Slauenwhite works within her family business Sojourn Signs in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Some of her passions include writing, working with kids, being with family and friends and traveling. She is continuing to further her interest in the business world.